A method includes receiving a spreadsheet file representing a plurality of decision tables, wherein the spreadsheet file does not indicate dependencies between non-labeled inputs and non-labeled outputs of the plurality of decision tables. The method further includes, for a first decision table of the plurality of decision tables, identifying, in view of an identifier of a second decision table of the plurality of decision tables, a dependent input that comprises an output of the second decision table of the plurality of decision tables. The method further includes determining, by a processing device, in view of an ordering of columns in the spreadsheet file, remaining inputs and outputs of the first decision table.
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2. The method of claim 1, wherein a first row of a first tab of the spreadsheet file comprises a header of the first decision table.
A system and method for managing decision tables within spreadsheet files. The invention addresses the challenge of organizing and processing structured decision logic in spreadsheet environments, where decision tables are often embedded but lack clear structure or automated processing capabilities. The method involves creating a spreadsheet file with multiple tabs, each tab containing one or more decision tables. Each decision table includes a header row that defines the columns of the table, followed by data rows that represent decision rules or conditions. The header row in the first tab of the spreadsheet serves as the primary identifier for the first decision table, allowing users or automated systems to parse and interpret the table's structure. The method may also include additional tabs, each containing its own decision table with a corresponding header row. The invention enables better organization, retrieval, and processing of decision logic within spreadsheets, improving usability and automation in decision-making workflows. The structured format allows for easier integration with other systems or software tools that rely on decision tables for rule-based processing.
3. The method of claim 2, wherein cell contents of the first row comprise a plurality of names corresponding to inputs and outputs of the first decision table.
A method for managing decision tables in a software system involves organizing and processing structured data to improve decision-making workflows. The method addresses the challenge of efficiently mapping inputs and outputs in decision tables, which are commonly used in rule-based systems to define logical conditions and actions. The invention provides a structured approach to defining and referencing decision table elements, ensuring clarity and consistency in rule evaluation. The method includes a decision table with a first row containing a plurality of names corresponding to inputs and outputs. These names serve as identifiers for the inputs and outputs used in the decision table, allowing for clear and unambiguous referencing. The decision table may also include additional rows that define specific rules or conditions based on the inputs and outputs. By standardizing the naming convention for inputs and outputs, the method enhances readability and maintainability of the decision table, reducing errors in rule interpretation and execution. This approach is particularly useful in complex systems where multiple decision tables interact, as it ensures consistent naming across different tables. The method supports efficient rule management by providing a structured framework for defining and referencing decision table elements, improving the overall reliability of the decision-making process.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein cells to the left of the dependent input comprise inputs of the first decision table and wherein cells to the right of the dependent input comprise outputs of the first decision table.
This invention relates to decision table processing in computing systems, specifically improving the organization and handling of decision tables to enhance clarity and efficiency. Decision tables are structured representations of business rules or logical conditions, often used in software applications to streamline decision-making processes. A common challenge in decision table design is effectively distinguishing between input conditions and output actions, which can lead to confusion or errors in rule interpretation. The invention addresses this problem by defining a method for structuring decision tables where the cells to the left of a designated dependent input (the condition being evaluated) represent the input conditions, while the cells to the right of the dependent input represent the resulting outputs. This spatial separation ensures that inputs and outputs are visually and logically distinct, reducing ambiguity in rule interpretation. The method may also involve dynamically adjusting the table layout based on the position of the dependent input, ensuring consistent and intuitive rule representation. By clearly delineating inputs and outputs, the invention improves the accuracy and maintainability of decision tables, particularly in complex rule-based systems. This approach is applicable in various domains, including business process automation, software logic implementation, and rule-based decision systems.
5. The method of claim 1, wherein modifications to the interactive GUI result in modifications to the spreadsheet file.
8. The system of claim 7, wherein a first row of a first tab of the spreadsheet file comprises a header of the first decision table.
9. The system of claim 8, wherein cell contents of the first row comprise a plurality of names corresponding to inputs and outputs of the first decision table.
A system for managing decision tables includes a graphical user interface (GUI) that displays a first decision table with a first row containing cell contents. The cell contents of the first row include a plurality of names corresponding to inputs and outputs of the first decision table. The system allows users to define and modify decision logic by interacting with the GUI, which presents the decision table in a structured format. The decision table includes rows and columns, where each row represents a rule or condition, and each column represents an input or output variable. The system enables users to input values, conditions, or actions into the cells of the decision table to define decision logic. The GUI may also include additional features such as validation, error checking, and visualization tools to assist users in creating and managing decision tables. The system is designed to simplify the process of defining and maintaining complex decision logic, making it easier for users to model and implement business rules or other decision-making processes. The inclusion of names in the first row helps users identify and reference specific inputs and outputs within the decision table, improving clarity and usability.
10. The system of claim 7, wherein cells to the left of the dependent input comprise inputs of the first decision table and wherein cells to the right of the dependent input comprise outputs of the first decision table.
A system for organizing and processing decision tables in a structured format. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently managing decision logic by clearly separating input and output data within a decision table. The system includes a first decision table with a dependent input, where cells to the left of this dependent input contain the inputs of the decision table, and cells to the right contain the outputs. This separation ensures that input conditions and resulting outputs are logically grouped, improving readability and maintainability of the decision logic. The system may also include a second decision table, where the outputs of the first decision table serve as inputs to the second decision table, enabling a hierarchical or cascading decision-making process. The structured arrangement of inputs and outputs allows for easier validation, testing, and modification of decision rules. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring complex rule-based decision-making, such as business process automation, policy enforcement, or expert systems. The system ensures that decision logic is modular, scalable, and easier to debug by maintaining a clear distinction between input conditions and output results.
11. The system of claim 7, wherein the first decision table comprises a plurality of dependent inputs, and wherein cells to the left of the plurality of dependent inputs comprise inputs of the first decision table and wherein cells to the right of the plurality of dependent inputs comprise outputs of the first decision table.
A system for decision-making processes involves a first decision table structured with dependent inputs and corresponding outputs. The decision table includes multiple dependent inputs, where the cells to the left of these inputs represent the primary inputs to the table. The cells to the right of the dependent inputs represent the outputs generated by the system based on the input values. This structure allows for a clear separation between the input parameters and the resulting outputs, facilitating logical decision-making. The system may also include a second decision table that interacts with the first, where the second table's outputs are used as inputs for the first table, enabling a hierarchical or cascading decision process. The overall system is designed to process input data through these tables to produce actionable outputs, improving efficiency in decision-making workflows. The arrangement of inputs and outputs in the decision tables ensures that dependencies between variables are explicitly defined, reducing ambiguity in the decision logic. This approach is particularly useful in applications requiring structured, rule-based decision-making, such as automation, control systems, or business process management.
14. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein a first row of a first tab of the spreadsheet file comprises a header of the first decision table.
15. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 14, wherein cell contents of the first row comprise a plurality of names corresponding to inputs and outputs of the first decision table.
A system and method for managing decision tables in a software application involves storing decision tables in a structured format within a non-transitory computer-readable storage medium. The decision tables include a first row containing cell contents that represent a plurality of names corresponding to inputs and outputs of the decision table. The system allows users to define and modify decision logic by editing these tables, where each row represents a rule and each column represents an input or output condition. The decision tables are processed by a decision engine that evaluates the rules based on input values and produces corresponding outputs. The system may also include a user interface for creating, editing, and visualizing the decision tables, as well as a validation mechanism to ensure logical consistency. The decision tables can be used in various applications, such as business rule management, workflow automation, and expert systems, where structured decision-making is required. The invention improves efficiency by centralizing decision logic in a tabular format, making it easier to maintain and update compared to hard-coded logic. The system may also support versioning and collaboration features to facilitate team-based development of decision rules.
16. The non-transitory computer-readable storage medium of claim 13, wherein cells to the left of the dependent input comprise inputs of the first decision table and wherein cells to the right of the dependent input comprise outputs of the first decision table.
A system and method for organizing and processing decision tables in a computing environment. The invention addresses the challenge of efficiently structuring and managing decision tables, which are used to represent logical rules and conditions in software applications. The system includes a decision table with a dependent input, where cells to the left of this dependent input contain the inputs of the decision table, and cells to the right of the dependent input contain the outputs. This arrangement allows for clear separation between input conditions and resulting outputs, improving readability and maintainability. The decision table may be part of a larger decision model that includes multiple decision tables, where outputs from one table can serve as inputs to another. The system supports dynamic evaluation of these tables, enabling real-time decision-making based on changing input conditions. The invention is particularly useful in applications requiring complex rule-based logic, such as business process automation, financial risk assessment, and compliance management. The structured format ensures consistency and reduces errors in decision logic execution.
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January 30, 2020
December 13, 2022
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